Imperial Tobacco’s business in the Netherlands has been recognized by trade partners for its field sales excellence, according to a note posted on the company’s website.

Imperial said that it had won the Distrifood Field Sales Team of the Year award in the non-food category for the fourth time, ahead of firms such as Mars and Nestlé, and ahead of other tobacco companies.

“These awards are based on the results of a nationwide survey of more than 2,000 Dutch retailers, who praised our field force for their professionalism, retail engagement and category knowledge,” the note said.

“This is not just recognition for our field sales team; all of our people have played an important role in this achievement,” said Ronald van Bilsen, head of sales.

“As we like to say in the Netherlands, together we can achieve more.”

Celebrating the win at an event in Amsterdam are, from left to right, regional sales managers Arie Stehouwer and Raymond van Gool and field sales manager Gerald Tijssen.